Control method of clothes treatment equipment and clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

The invention firstly provides a control method of clothes processing equipment, and the control method of the clothes processing equipment comprises the following steps that a controller receives a signal fed back by a signal source device; the controller judges whether a user approaches the clothes processing equipment or not according to the received feedback signal; and when the user approaches the clothes processing equipment, controlling the clothes processing equipment to be started. The invention further provides a laundry treating apparatus. According to the control method of the clothes treatment equipment and the clothes treatment equipment provided by the invention, automatic startup can be realized without manual operation, so that the control of the clothes treatment equipment is simpler.

Description

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and in particular, relates to a control method for a laundry processing equipment and a laundry processing equipment Background Art

[0002] With the development of cities and the quickening pace of life, washing machines, as a household appliance that can free users' hands and save users' time in handling housework, are accepted and purchased by more and more users.

[0003] With the development of technology, there are more and more types of washing machines, and their functions are increasingly moving towards human-computer interaction and becoming more and more complete. However, in existing washing machines, human-computer interaction methods are often still achieved by users touching the control buttons on the washing machine display or using a mobile phone APP to control the washing machine.

[0004] This human-computer interaction method is more suitable for related controls after the clothes are placed in the washing drum and during the washing process, but this interaction method can only be performed when the washing machine is in the on state. When the washing machine is in the off state, the existing conventional human-computer interaction method usually cannot be performed normally.

[0005] However, it is inconvenient to turn on the washing machine when the user is carrying a lot of clothes. The existing starting method is also not applicable to some elderly people, users with poor eyesight or some disabled users.

[0006] Similarly, similar problems also exist for other clothing processing equipment such as shoe washing machines, dryers, etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a control method for a clothing processing device and a clothing processing device, which can realize automatic startup without manual operation, thereby making the control of the clothing processing device simpler.

[0008] In order to achieve the first object of the invention, the present invention first provides a control method for a clothes processing device, and the technical solution adopted is:

[0009] A control method for a clothes processing device, the control method comprising the following process:

[0010] The controller receives a signal fed back by a signal source device;

[0011] The controller determines whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device according to the received feedback signal;

[0012] When a user approaches the clothes treating device, the clothes treating device is controlled to turn on.

[0013] Furthermore, the signal source device emits ultrasonic waves, and the feedback signal is an ultrasonic wave signal.

[0014] Furthermore, the controller detects whether the received ultrasonic signal conforms to human characteristics to determine whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device.

[0015] Furthermore, after the controller determines for the first time that a user has entered the ultrasonic emission range, it continuously detects the ultrasonic signal, and when it detects that the time difference between the ultrasonic emission time and the receiving time is less than or equal to a preset value, or when it detects through ultrasound that the distance between the user and the clothing processing device is less than or equal to a preset value, it controls the clothing processing device to turn on.

[0016] Furthermore, the signal source device is a voice module that can collect audio around the clothing processing equipment, and the voice module can also transmit and receive reflected ultrasonic signals.

[0017] Furthermore, the controller separates the received feedback signal into high-frequency signals and low-frequency signals, determines whether the high-frequency signal conforms to human characteristics, and determines whether the low-frequency signal conforms to footsteps, so as to determine whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device.

[0018] Furthermore, when it is determined that a user is approaching the clothing treatment device, the controller continuously receives a feedback signal, and when the user enters a predetermined range, controls the clothing treatment device to automatically turn on.

[0019] Furthermore, when a user is detected approaching the clothing processing device, the distance between the user and the clothing processing device is less than or equal to a preset value or the time difference between the emission and reflection of the ultrasonic wave is less than or equal to a preset value, and the sound of footsteps is continuously detected, the clothing processing device is controlled to automatically turn on.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clothes processing device, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0021] A clothes processing device comprises a controller and a signal source device, wherein the controller executes a control method of the clothes processing device as described above.

[0022] Furthermore, the signal source device is arranged at a control console of the clothes processing device and is located on a longitudinal center line of the clothes processing device.

[0023] In summary, the control method and the clothing processing device provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0024] It detects whether there is a human body through ultrasonic waves, detects footsteps through audio, and combines high-frequency and low-frequency signals to detect whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device. This makes the judgment more accurate and avoids the false triggering of automatic power-on action due to the approach of pets or children.

[0025] The signal source device is at a certain height and faces the door, which effectively avoids false signals generated by pets and children approaching, making the detection accuracy higher;

[0026] Ultrasonic waves are used to detect the distance (reflection time) between the user and the clothing processing device, so as to accurately determine whether the person appearing around the clothing processing device is passing by or using the washing machine, thereby further improving the detection accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 : The specific logic of a control method for a clothes processing device provided by the present invention;

[0029] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] The present invention provides a control method for a clothes processing device, the control method comprising the following process:

[0034] The controller receives a signal fed back by a signal source device;

[0035] The controller determines whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device according to the received feedback signal;

[0036] When a user approaches the clothes treating device, the clothes treating device is controlled to turn on.

[0037] In this embodiment, a drum washing machine is taken as an example to introduce the specific structure and control method of the clothes processing device provided by the present invention.

[0038] The drum washing machine comprises a shell, a washing drum and a door body. The washing drum is transversely arranged in the shell, with an open front end and relatively sealed by the door body.

[0039] A control console is provided at the top and / or front end of the shell, and various function buttons for controlling the operation of the washing machine are provided on the control console. Each function button is electrically or signal-connected to the controller, and the controller controls the washing machine to perform corresponding actions according to the trigger information of the function button.

[0040] A signal source device is arranged on the top or front face of the washing machine, and the signal source device feeds back a signal to the controller. The controller controls the washing machine to automatically start up and perform corresponding operations according to the received feedback signal.

[0041] The signal source device can emit ultrasonic signals and collect ultrasonic signals reflected by obstacles, and feed back the collected reflected signals to the controller. The controller includes an automatic power on and off control module. The module (hereinafter referred to as the controller) pre-stores a waveform that conforms to the ultrasonic wave after being reflected by the human body. The controller compares the reflected ultrasonic signal fed back by the signal source device with the pre-stored waveform to determine whether the obstacle appearing around the clothing processing equipment is a user.

[0042] Furthermore, the signal source device can also collect audio signals such as footsteps, and combine them with ultrasonic signals to further determine whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device.

[0043] Furthermore, the signal source device can also perform human-computer interaction. After the clothing processing device is turned on, it receives the user's voice command, and the controller controls the clothing processing device to perform corresponding actions according to the received voice information.

[0044] The signal source device is set near the longitudinal center line of the washing machine, or at a position close to the center line, and is not set at the corners or near the corners of the shell, so as to avoid the user from mistakenly triggering the power-on action when passing by the side of the washing machine, thereby ensuring that the user is walking towards the clothing processing device rather than passing by, making the detection signal more accurate and purposeful.

[0045] Furthermore, based on the characteristic that ultrasound has a straight-line propagation property, in the present embodiment, the signal source device is disposed at the top of the washing machine or at a position near the top of the front face, so that the emitted ultrasonic signal has a certain height, thereby further excluding children and pets of shorter stature, avoiding false triggering of the start-up action, and further causing children and pets to accidentally enter the washing drum, causing unnecessary injuries.

[0046] An automatic startup program is pre-stored in the controller. When the controller determines through the received feedback signal that a user is approaching the washing machine and / or the user enters a predetermined range of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to automatically start up.

[0047] The present invention further provides a control method for a washing machine, i.e., a clothes processing device. The specific control method may include the following embodiments:

[0048] Embodiment 1

[0049] The signal source device is at a certain height from the ground and emits ultrasonic waves toward the front of the washing machine, and the ultrasonic wave signal is parallel to the ground.

[0050] Under normal conditions, there must be obstacles in front of the signal source device, such as walls. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the signal source device at regular intervals are reflected back by the wall and received by the signal source device. Without considering the diffuse reflection of the wall or other energy losses, the waveform of the received reflected ultrasonic waves is basically the same as the waveform originally emitted. The signal source device feeds back the ultrasonic signals emitted and received after reflection to the controller, and the controller receives the feedback signals for detection and analysis. When it is detected that the deviation between the reflected waveform and the emitted waveform is within the allowable range, that is, when the deviation is less than the preset deviation value, it is considered that there is no user in front of the washing machine.

[0051] The signal source periodically emits ultrasonic waves. When the deviation between the reflected waveform and the transmitted waveform in the feedback signal received by the controller exceeds the allowable range, that is, the deviation is greater than or equal to the preset deviation value, the reflected waveform is further detected to see whether it meets the waveform of the ultrasonic wave reflected by the human body stored in the controller (hereinafter collectively referred to as the human body waveform). If it meets the waveform, it is considered that there is a user in front of the washing machine.

[0052] Furthermore, considering that the waveforms of ultrasonic waves after reflection are different due to different user clothing, a variety of human body waveforms are pre-stored in the controller, and the reflected waveforms are compared with each human body waveform to determine whether the waveform of the reflected ultrasonic wave is consistent with the human body waveform.

[0053] Similarly, the reflected waveform is compared with each human body waveform. When the deviation between the reflected waveform and any human body waveform is less than or equal to the preset value of the human body waveform deviation, the reflected waveform is considered to be consistent with the human body waveform. No further detection is required, and it is considered that a user appears in front of the washing machine.

[0054] The reflected wave described in this article conforms to the human body waveform, which means that the waveform of the received reflected wave is completely consistent with any pre-stored human body waveform or the deviation is less than or equal to the preset value of the human body waveform deviation.

[0055] When the controller detects for the first time that a user appears in front of the washing machine, it continues to detect whether the user continues to walk toward the washing machine, or when the user walks into a preset range of the washing machine, the controller controls the washing machine to automatically start.

[0056] It should be noted that ultrasonic waves can be directly emitted to the wall directly opposite the washing machine. For example, if the washing machine is placed in the bathroom, facing the bathroom door, the user enters the bathroom from the door, but it does not necessarily mean that the washing machine will be used. Therefore, the ultrasonic detection range needs to be set. When the user enters the detection range, the detection signal will be fed back to the controller. The detection range can be limited by the time difference between emission and reflection, and the distance between the obstacle and the washing machine.

[0057] Preferably, when the controller detects that a user appears in front of the washing machine within the detection range for the first time, the signal source device continuously emits ultrasonic signals, matches the ultrasonic emission time with the reflected wave reception time one by one, and feeds back each group of signals to the controller in sequence. The controller determines whether the time difference of each group of feedback signals (emission time, reflected wave reception time) is decreasing.

[0058] If yes, it is determined that the user is walking towards the washing machine, that is, it is determined that a user is approaching the washing machine;

[0059] If not, it is determined that the user is only within the ultrasonic emission range, and the signal source device continues to emit ultrasonic signals and continuously detects the user status. When the time difference of each group of feedback signals shows an increasing trend and / or the controller detects that the reflected ultrasonic wave does not conform to the human body waveform, it is deemed that the user has left the washing machine.

[0060] When the time difference of each set of feedback signals is less than or equal to the preset time difference value, it is considered that the user has approached the washing machine, and the controller controls the washing machine to automatically start.

[0061] After the washing machine automatically turns on, it performs corresponding actions according to the preset program.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the process of detecting whether the user is close to the washing machine is started after a predetermined time after the last washing process ends. When the washing machine is in the washing process, the above process is not executed.

[0063] After entering the detection program, the signal source device is first controlled to emit ultrasonic waves at a first time frequency to detect whether there is a user near the washing machine. When it is detected that the reflected wave matches the human body waveform, ultrasonic waves are emitted at a second time frequency. The first time frequency is greater than the second time frequency to avoid emitting ultrasonic waves at an excessive frequency and consuming energy.

[0064] Furthermore, the controller records the user's usage habits, counts the user's laundry time periods within a predetermined period, and sorts each time period by the number of times used to determine the user's most frequently used laundry time.

[0065] Preferably, after the usage frequency is sorted, the usage time of the last n digits in the sort is excluded. The usage time of the last n digits may be an occasional special case and is not used as a reference.

[0066] Considering the randomness and uncertainty of the user's use of the washing machine, the specific usage time counted is rationally fitted, and the hour is divided into the first half hour and the second half hour. When the washing time is in the first half hour, it is fitted to the current time period, and when the washing time is in the second half hour, it is fitted to the next time period. For example, when the washing time is 19:25, the washing time is set to 19:00, and when the washing time is 19:45, the washing time is set to 20:00. Among them, 19:00 and 20:00 can be time points or time periods.

[0067] After fitting all the collected washing times in the cycle, they are sorted by the number of times used, and the washing time with the most times used is obtained. According to the predetermined program, the first-ranked washing time period is set as the basis, and ultrasonic waves are emitted in advance of the predetermined time until the user uses the washing machine.

[0068] Furthermore, based on the first ranked washing time period, ultrasonic waves are emitted in advance at a predetermined time. If the user still does not use the washing machine after 24:00 or the predetermined time, the signal source device stops emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0069] Or the fitted washing times are sorted in chronological order, the earliest and latest times when the user uses the washing machine to wash in the cycle are obtained, and the ultrasonic wave is emitted within a predetermined time before the earliest washing time, and the ultrasonic wave is stopped within a predetermined time after the latest washing time.

[0070] Or based on the first ranked washing time period, ultrasonic waves are emitted at the first time frequency starting at a predetermined time in advance. When the user still does not use the washing machine after the predetermined time of the time period, the signal source device stops emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0071] The scheduled time is set to half an hour, and the fitting time is a time period, which can be set to 1 hour. For example, if the time base after fitting is 19:00, the signal source device starts to emit ultrasonic waves half an hour in advance, that is, at 18:30, and 19:59 is the deadline for the fitting time. Similarly, it ends half an hour later, that is, at 20:30.

[0072] The fitting time is set as the time point. For example, if the time base after fitting is 19:00 and the scheduled time is half an hour, the ultrasonic wave will be emitted at the first time frequency half an hour in advance and will end half an hour later. That is, the signal source device will begin to emit ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency at 18:30 and will end emitting ultrasonic waves at 19:30.

[0073] For other usage times after sorting, automatic power-on control is performed in the manner described above according to the number of washing times. The ultrasonic emission time frequency can also be changed, such as emitting ultrasonic waves at a third time frequency to detect whether the user is approaching the washing machine to control automatic power-on; adjust the preset time for the start and end of ultrasonic emission. As mentioned above, the usage time ranked first starts half an hour before the fitting time and ends half an hour after the fitting time. The preset time for advance and delay of the usage time in other positions can be 20 minutes, and the time gradually decreases as the sorting is delayed to reduce energy consumption.

[0074] For example, when sorted by the number of times used, the first and second usage times will emit ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency half an hour in advance, and will end half an hour later after the end of the fitted time period; the third to fifth usage times will emit ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency 20 minutes in advance, and will end 20 minutes later after the end of the fitted time period; the sixth usage time will emit ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency 10 minutes in advance, and will end 10 minutes later after the end of the fitted time period.

[0075] For another example, in order of the number of times used, the first and second usage times will emit ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency half an hour in advance, and will end at midnight after the end of the fitted time period; the third to fifth usage times will emit ultrasonic waves 20 minutes in advance and / or at the third time frequency, and will end 20 minutes later after the end of the fitted time period; the sixth usage time will emit ultrasonic waves 10 minutes in advance and / or at the fourth time frequency, and will end 10 minutes later after the end of the fitted time period. Among them, the fourth time frequency ≤ the third time frequency ≤ the second time frequency ≤ the first time frequency, and the time frequency is the time interval between each ultrasonic emission.

[0076] It should be noted that, generally speaking, users do not wash clothes every day (except in special circumstances such as summer). When counting the user's laundry habits, in addition to the specific time of laundry, the specific date of laundry should also be counted to confirm the day of the week when the user is accustomed to washing clothes and the time of laundry. Therefore, the laundry cycle is sorted to confirm the user's laundry cycle (the day of the week when the user washes clothes), and the laundry cycle is sorted, and then the laundry time within the laundry cycle is fitted and sorted. In the manner described above, after sorting the number of uses, fitting and sorting the use time, the signal source device is controlled to act to detect whether there is a user and control automatic startup.

[0077] For example, if the user is used to washing clothes on Wednesdays and Sundays, and is used to washing clothes between 19:00 and 22:00 in the evening, the controller is set to control the signal source device to start emitting ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency at 18:30 on Wednesdays to detect whether the user is close to the washing machine and control the automatic start-up, and to stop emitting ultrasonic waves at 22:30, and to emit ultrasonic waves at the second time frequency between 22:30 and 24:00 and between 7:00 and 18:30; or to emit ultrasonic waves at the second time frequency between 22:30 and 24:00 and between 17:00 and 18:30, and to regard the user as not at home at other times, and to stop emitting ultrasonic waves;

[0078] On weekends, considering that the user's laundry time is uncertain, ultrasonic waves are emitted at the first time frequency from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to cope with the user's possible laundry operations at any time;

[0079] Ultrasonic waves are not emitted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, or they are emitted at a time frequency with a longer time interval. Or, on these four days, ultrasonic waves are emitted at the first time frequency starting at 18:30 every evening to detect whether the user is approaching the washing machine and control the automatic start-up, and the emission of ultrasonic waves ends at 22:30.

[0080] The above is only an example of controlling the working state of the signal source device after adding a washing cycle (the concept of a week), and is not a limitation of the present invention.

[0081] The above are only several examples provided by the present invention of controlling the emission time and emission frequency of ultrasound in order of the number of times used. In actual application, it can be adjusted according to laundry needs, regions, laundry habits, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, the control method provided by the present invention also includes an adaptive adjustment method:

[0083] The "predetermined period" is set to one month. The controller sets the factory mode of any control signal source device before leaving the factory, and collects the user's laundry habits within a month from the first time the user uses it. After the one-month period, as described above, the collected laundry times are fitted and sorted (the order of fitting and sorting is determined according to the program settings, such as fitting first and then sorting, or sorting first and then fitting), the user's most commonly used laundry time is determined, and the signal source device is controlled to emit ultrasonic waves at a first time frequency. After detecting that a user appears in the detection range, ultrasonic waves are emitted at a second time frequency to detect whether the user appearing in the detection range is passing by or approaching the washing machine to perform laundry operations.

[0084] If the user appears in the detection range, within a preset time, such as 1 minute or 2 minutes, no trend of the user walking towards the washing machine is detected, such as the distance between the user and the washing machine becomes shorter, the time difference between ultrasonic emission and reception becomes shorter, etc., it can be considered that the user has a trend towards the washing machine. After the preset time, if there is still no such trend, it is considered that the user is just passing by. Set the time to detect this trend. After this time, the signal source resumes emitting ultrasonic waves at the first time frequency.

[0085] One month after the user's first use (predetermined period), according to the above method, whether the user is close to the washing machine is detected and the automatic start of the washing machine is controlled. In each subsequent month, the user's usage habits are collected as described above. After each cycle, the relevant parameters in the control method are adjusted according to the newly collected washing cycle, washing time and other factors to meet the laundry needs of different seasons.

[0086] The scheduled period is a fixed period, and the corresponding scheduled period period can also be adjusted according to different seasons, such as shortening the period during the change of seasons; or when the controller detects that the user's laundry habits have changed significantly, such as from spring to summer, the user's laundry frequency increases, and the washing machine repeatedly detects that the user uses the washing machine at a time other than the first or previous i usage times, or repeatedly detects that the user washes clothes outside the regular washing cycle (the concept of a week), it is determined that the laundry frequency has increased, and the scheduled period period is shortened, such as to half a month or even a week, so as to timely adjust the time factor in the automatic power-on control method.

[0087] Embodiment 2

[0088] The method for detecting the presence of a user in front of the washing machine is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that, after the presence of a user in front of the washing machine is detected for the first time, the signal source device continuously emits ultrasonic signals and feeds back each group of signals to the controller in sequence.

[0089] The controller calculates the distance between the user and the washing machine, that is, the distance between the user and the signal source device, based on each set of feedback signals, and determines whether the calculated distance value shows a decreasing trend. If so, it is determined that the user is approaching the washing machine. When the user enters the predetermined distance, the controller controls the washing machine to automatically start.

[0090] Embodiment 3

[0091] The signal source device can emit and collect ultrasonic waves, and can also collect the user's footsteps. The controller pre-stores waveforms corresponding to common footstep audio, and can separate the collected high-frequency ultrasonic waves and low-frequency footsteps.

[0092] When the method described in the first embodiment is used to detect whether there is a user within the detection range and whether the user is approaching the washing machine to control automatic startup, bass audio occurring around the washing machine is collected at the same time.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, the signal source device detects whether the collected audio includes high-frequency audio and low-frequency audio, or the signal source device sends the collected audio to the controller, and the controller detects whether the feedback signal includes high-frequency audio and low-frequency audio.

[0094] The audio collection, detection, separation and other operations can be completed by the signal source device, and the final result is sent to the controller, which controls the automatic start-up of the washing machine and the subsequent washing program according to the feedback signal. The collected audio can also be directly fed back to the controller, and the controller performs corresponding processing. The present invention does not limit this, but takes the signal source device collecting the audio signal and then sending the audio signal as a feedback signal to the controller as an example to introduce the specific process of this embodiment. Specifically:

[0095] The signal source device sends the collected audio signal to the controller, and the controller detects whether the feedback audio signal includes both high-frequency audio and low-frequency audio. If not, the signal source device continues to detect and continuously sends feedback signals to the controller; or, the controller separates the feedback audio signal to obtain high-frequency signals (ultrasonic signals) and low-frequency signals and corresponding waveforms, and further determines whether the waveform of the high-frequency signal conforms to the waveform of the ultrasonic wave after being reflected by the human body, that is, whether it conforms to the human body waveform, and whether the low-frequency signal conforms to the footsteps audio waveform pre-stored in the controller. Similarly, when the deviation between the waveform of the low-frequency signal and the footsteps audio waveform is within a predetermined range of waveform deviation, the low-frequency signal is deemed to conform to the footsteps waveform.

[0096] Within the detection range, when the controller simultaneously detects that the high-frequency audio matches the human body waveform and the bass audio matches the footsteps waveform, it determines that there is a user within the detection range, controls the washing machine to automatically start up, and prepares for standby.

[0097] If within the detection range, the controller does not detect both treble and bass audio in the feedback signal, or the treble audio does not conform to the human body waveform, or the bass audio does not conform to the footsteps waveform, that is, during the detection process, if any condition does not meet the standard requirements, it is deemed that no user appears within the detection range, and the signal source device continues to collect audio signals and feed them back to the controller, and this cycle continues until an audio signal that meets the requirements is detected.

[0098] Embodiment 4

[0099] As described in Example 3, Figure 1 As shown, when it is determined that a user appears within the detection range, the signal source device continues to collect footsteps audio signals to determine that the footsteps audio continues to exist;

[0100] The signal source device continuously emits ultrasonic signals and collects reflected ultrasonic signals, and feeds back the emission time of the ultrasonic signal, the corresponding reflected wave receiving time, and the reflected ultrasonic signal to the controller to further determine whether the waveform of the reflected wave conforms to the human body waveform, and further as described in Example 1 or Example 2, determine whether the user is approaching the washing machine by the time difference between the emission time and the reflected wave receiving time or the distance between the user and the washing machine.

[0101] When the time difference between the transmission time and the reception reflected wave time or the distance between the user and the washing machine shows a downward trend, and footsteps audio is detected at the same time, it is considered that the user is approaching the washing machine. When the user enters the predetermined range, the washing machine is controlled to automatically turn on.

[0102] The above is the method provided by the present invention to transmit ultrasonic signals through the signal source device, receive ultrasonic waves (reflected waves) reflected by obstacles, and feed back information such as the transmission time, the reflected wave receiving time, and the reflected wave signal to the controller to realize automatic start-up control of the washing machine. The four embodiments provided by the present invention can also be combined accordingly to form a new control method, which is also within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0103] As described above, when it is determined that there is a user within the detection range, the user is walking towards the washing machine and enters the predetermined range, the controller controls the washing machine to automatically start up, including but not limited to powering on the washing machine and automatically opening the washing machine door.

[0104] If the controller controls the washing machine to automatically start up, but does not detect the user putting in clothes or selecting a washing program or detecting a door closing signal within the first predetermined time, it is considered that the user has no need to wash clothes. After the alarm sound is emitted, if the user still does not take the above actions within the second predetermined time, the washing machine is controlled to automatically shut down. Automatic shutdown includes but is not limited to automatic power off, so that the washing machine loses power. When the door body has an automatic control device, the door body can also be controlled to close automatically. It should be noted that the signal source device can collect user voice information and control the washing machine program through the received voice commands. When the signal source device collects the voice control command, it is considered that the laundry demand signal has been received.

[0105] After the washing program is finished, the controller controls the washing machine to automatically cut off the power and determines whether to automatically close the door according to the program settings.

[0106] Under normal conditions, the main power supply of the washing machine is continuously connected to the household main power supply (socket). To ensure that the washing machine can still be detected by the user after being turned off, the signal source device is connected to the main power supply, and / or the automatic power on / off control module of the controller is connected to the main power supply, so that after the washing machine is turned off, the signal source device and the automatic power on / off control module are still in a powered state to achieve automatic power on / off control. The control of the washing program after automatic power on is not the focus of the invention and is not limited or required.

[0107] The control method described above is also applicable to any clothing processing equipment such as a pulsator washing machine, a drum washing machine, a shoe washing machine, etc., and the content described above should not be regarded as a limitation of the present invention.

[0108] In summary, the control method and the clothing processing device provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0109] It detects whether there is a human body through ultrasonic waves, detects footsteps through audio, and combines high-frequency and low-frequency signals to detect whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device. This makes the judgment more accurate and avoids the false triggering of automatic power-on action due to the approach of pets or children.

[0110] The signal source device is at a certain height and faces the door, which effectively avoids false signals generated by pets and children approaching, making the detection accuracy higher;

[0111] Ultrasonic waves are used to detect the distance (reflection time) between the user and the clothing processing device, so as to accurately determine whether the person appearing around the clothing processing device is passing by or using the washing machine, thereby further improving the detection accuracy.

[0112] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content suggested above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation scheme in the above embodiment can also be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a clothes processing device, characterized in that: The control method includes the following process: The controller receives a signal fed back by a signal source device; The controller determines whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device according to the received feedback signal; When a user approaches the clothes treating device, the clothes treating device is controlled to turn on.

2. A control method for a clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal source device emits ultrasonic waves, and the feedback signal is an ultrasonic wave signal.

3. A control method for a clothes processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller detects whether the received ultrasonic signal conforms to human characteristics to determine whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device.

4. A control method for a clothes processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the controller determines for the first time that a user has entered the ultrasonic transmission range, it continuously detects ultrasonic signals. When it detects that the time difference between the ultrasonic transmission time and the reception time is less than or equal to a preset value, or when it detects through ultrasound that the distance between the user and the clothing processing device is less than or equal to a preset value, it controls the clothing processing device to turn on.

5. The control method of a clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal source device is a voice module that can collect audio around the clothing processing device, and the voice module can also emit and receive reflected ultrasonic signals.

6. A method for controlling a clothes processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller separates the received feedback signal into high-frequency and low-frequency signals, determines whether the high-frequency signal conforms to human characteristics, and determines whether the low-frequency signal conforms to footsteps, so as to determine whether a user is approaching the clothing processing device.

7. A control method for a clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When it is determined that a user is approaching the clothes processing device, the controller continuously receives a feedback signal, and when the user enters a predetermined range, controls the clothes processing device to automatically turn on.

8. A method for controlling a clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When it is detected that a user is approaching the clothing processing device, the distance between the user and the clothing processing device is less than or equal to a preset value or the time difference between the emission and reflection of the ultrasonic wave is less than or equal to a preset value, and the sound of footsteps is continuously detected, the clothing processing device is controlled to automatically turn on.

9. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a controller and a signal source device, wherein the controller executes a control method for a clothes processing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A clothes processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The signal source device is arranged at a control console of the clothes processing device and is located on the longitudinal center line of the clothes processing device.

Images